TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Head of Jokowi-Ma`ruf Amin National Campaign Team, Erick Thohir, said there was no political deal made with Yusril Ihza Mahendra as the camp`s lawyer. He explained Yusril joined the coalition based on his skill as a professional lawyer.

“No political deal, Pak Yusril says his position is a personal matter,” Erick told reporters in JW Marriot Hotel, Thursday, November 8.

Yusril earlier explained his decision to become a lawyer of Jokowi-Ma’ruf pair in the 2019 presidential election was made after a meeting with Erick in Mulia Hotel in Jakarta. In the session, Erick Thohir asked Yusril’s willingness to be Jokowi-Ma’ruf lawyer, and the latter made a commitment.

Read: Yusril Named as Jokowi-Maruf's Lawyer Tjahjo He is Objective

The Jokowi camp head also reminded Yusril that being a lawyer of Jokowi-Ma’ruf meant he would not be paid and work as pro bono attorney. Yusril then accepted the offer.

Erick likened Yusril to Rosan Roeslani as head of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Bahlil Lahadalia as chairman of the Indonesian Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI) who backed Jokowi-Ma’ruf with their capacity as individuals. According to Erick, the track record of Yusril in the legal institution could not be doubted.

The involvement of great figures in the Jokowi-Ma’ruf camp was a positive thing considering they personally trust Jokowi. Erick admitted there was no problem with Yusril’s experience as a lawyer of disbanded organization Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia (HTI).

According to Erick, every person had a different vision in a different position. “That is part of professional work,” he said.

FIKRI ARIGI